The 2008 Colbinabbin premiership coach has been appointed the new leader at White Hills, replacing Carl Hardingham.

“It’s too good an opportunity to be able to get back into coaching… I don’t want to look back down the track and think ‘why didn’t I have a go at it’,” Millar said on Wednesday.

“I’m really passionate about coaching and the club is looking to get some really good structures in place. I was quite chuffed that they thought of me as a potential coach for them.”

Millar takes over the Demons after a disappointing Heathcote District season in which they won just five games and finished seventh.

However, Millar sees plenty of positives at the club that has him excited at taking on the coaching role.

“The list is young, and with a young list you generally get enthusiasm,” Millar said.

“It was only last year (2015) that they were in the finals and the list that played that season to this year hasn’t changed that much.

“No doubt it’s going to be a challenge, but the players I’ve spoken to all seem really keen for a big pre-season.”

Millar previously coached Colbinabbin from 2008 to 2010, during a stint that included winning the ’08 flag and also playing in the ’09 grand final.

He returned to the club this year in a role on the bench for coach Nick Knight, and says while being involved with a rival club will take some adjusting to, his decision has been suppprted by the Grasshoppers.

“I was transparent with Colbinabbin throughout the decision-making process,” Millar said.

“I have a lot of respect for that footy club and made sure I spoke to some people I hold in really high regard about the opportunity and typical of Colbinabbin, there was no hard feelings.

“Colbinabbin has been really supportive of my decision and understands this is an opportunity too good to pass up.”